Modular Objective Lens Plug-in Controller Architecture

Solution Overview

Problem

Modern objective lenses require complex electronic control systems and multiple interchangeable components for focusing, zooming, and diaphragm adjustments, which can be costly and difficult to maintain, especially when malfunctions occur, as the entire system often needs to be replaced rather than just the faulty part.

Innovation Solution

The objective lens system features a modular design with plug-in cards for controllers and drives, allowing for independent exchange and upgrade of components, such as focus, diaphragm, and energy controllers, enabling decentralized control and easy adaptation to different camera systems and functions without requiring extensive system modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic control devices and interchangeable components are integrated into the objective lens for focusing, zooming, and diaphragm adjustments, then the functionality and adaptability of the objective lens are improved, but the device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The objective lens is divided into modular functional units (focus drive, zoom drive, diaphragm drive, controllers) that can be independently exchanged. Each drive unit is designed as a separate module with standardized mounting, allowing individual replacement without affecting other components. This segmentation reduces the impact of failures and simplifies maintenance while preserving full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The objective lens incorporates universal mounting structures and standardized interfaces that allow the same drive units to be used across different lens models and camera systems. The focus drive, zoom drive, and diaphragm drive are designed with universal compatibility features, enabling one module to serve multiple functions and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electronic control devices and multiple interchangeable components are integrated into the objective lens, then the adaptability to different camera systems is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates as the entire system often needs to be replaced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmaintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The objective lens is divided into modular functional units (focus drive, zoom drive, diaphragm drive, controllers) that can be independently exchanged. Each drive unit is designed as a separate module with standardized mounting, allowing individual replacement without affecting other components. This segmentation reduces the impact of failures and simplifies maintenance while preserving full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular drive units are designed to be easily discarded when faulty and recovered for refurbishment or replacement. Each module can be independently removed and replaced, allowing the functional portions of the lens system to be recovered and reused while only replacing the specific failed component rather than the entire lens assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of manufacture

If modular plug-in cards for controllers and drives are implemented, then the ease of manufacture and adaptation are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemanufacturingVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The objective lens is divided into modular functional units (focus drive, zoom drive, diaphragm drive, controllers) that can be independently exchanged. Each drive unit is designed as a separate module with standardized mounting, allowing individual replacement without affecting other components. This segmentation reduces the impact of failures and simplifies maintenance while preserving full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The objective lens incorporates universal mounting structures and standardized interfaces that allow the same drive units to be used across different lens models and camera systems. The focus drive, zoom drive, and diaphragm drive are designed with universal compatibility features, enabling one module to serve multiple functions and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11175567B2Objective lens main body, objective lens, and objective lens system

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 CARL ZEISS AG

AI summary

An objective lens main body and an objective lens system formed by the objective lens are provided. The objective lens main body includes a main frame for retaining optical functional elements and at least one adjustable, optical functional element that is retained adjustably thereon. The objective lens main body furthermore includes at least one adjustment drive arranged on the main frame for adjusting the adjustable functional element or at least one of the adjustable functional elements. In addition, the objective lens main body includes an electronics board attached indirectly or directly to the main frame that has at least one plug-in location for reversibly receiving a plug-in card, and a first controller that is configured as a plug-in card and inserted into the plug-in location or one of the plug-in locations and is set up for exchanging signals with an electrical module of the objective lens or an external unit.